Purpose

Albany – Senator Roy McDonald and Assemblyman Félix Ortiz will be joined by members of their respective Mental Health Committees to address recent accusations of abuse at group homes across the state in a New York Times article.

McDonald & Ortiz will announce their plans to invite newly appointed OPWDD Commissioner Burke to a joint Senate & Assembly Mental Health Committee meeting to discuss solutions and work together with all stakeholders involved in protecting this very vulnerable population of New York residents.

An investigative report by the Times published on March 12, showed accusations of abuse were often handled internally and that less than 5 percent were referred to law enforcement. The accusations included instances of physical abuse, neglect, sexual assault and taunting.

The press conference will be held today, in room 124 of the Capitol, at 11:00 A.M.